I have taken upon myself the job of “Christmas Documenter”. While visiting my family, I have my camera at the ready at all times. I even go so far as to make them reenact any funny or touching moments I missed while my back was turned. Every year, I make an “Our Year In Review” photo album for my parents, and I make a separate album for my Mom of just the photos I took at Christmas because I take about 700 photos during that week. My family could make a decent living as models because at this point, they all know their best side, their best smile, and their best hairstyle. They all know that any photo could end up in “The Book”, so everyone makes sure they look their best, even on Christmas morning. My daughter, in her wretched state, somehow managed to put on a sequined Santa hat on Christmas morning.
Let me recreate the scene for you: 10 ft tall Christmas tree, front and center. To your right, you see children smiling while opening gifts, parents mouthing “OOOHHH” and “AAAHHHH”, grandparents beaming with their success in bringing joy to our family. On the left, you see my children; huddled together for support, wrapped in the last clean comforter in the house, clutching barf bowls…Ty is passed out, oh wait! He’s sitting up – oh, it’s just to dry heave. They look green and fuzzy, like the Grinch. And don’t forget Chelsea’s sequined Santa hat! I have my camera, and I’m jumping back and forth, caring for my children and capturing Kodak moments of my nephew’s first Christmas and the family’s excitement because “The Book” must go on!
Everyone felt bad for my kids, so we decided to wait until later in the day to exchange the rest of the gifts. And after sleeping the rest of the day, my children felt better! They took showers and we all sat down to our Christmas feast. My children ate a little toast & rice, afraid to end up back where they just came from. We return to our gift exchange, and Ty vomits his undigested rice all over the couch.
The next morning, it was my turn. Are you surprised? The day after that, it was my Mom’s turn. The day after that, it was my Step-Dad’s turn. Guess it wasn’t food poisoning after all. Needless to say, they have a lot of food in their freezer. The positive side of this story is that no one had to go on a diet after the holidays!
Stay tuned for Part 3!
By Tara Bazilian-Chang, Community Manager of Raising Boys World
